Abstract

In March 1981, six researchers started production of natural interferon in a modest building adapted as a laboratory. By May the first yields of this protein were achieved. Applications of this interferon were already taking place in 1981 in the first clinical trial with the drug in the country. In June, the top level of the government decided to organize the Biological Group. In January, 1982, a new institution began work with about 30 scientists and developed activities in gene manipulation, molecular virology, work with monoclonal antibodies, immunochemistry and tissue cultures. By 1983 interferon genes were cloned and expressed, and the group continued working, increasing the number of personnel. A decision was made in 1984 to build a new center, the CIGB. In July 1986, the center was officially inaugurated. Between 1986-89 important results were achieved by members of the biological group, among which was a vaccine against meningococcal meningitis. Three years later, in July 1989, the CIGB produced 15 new recombinant proteins, drugs, enzymes and antigens for diagnostic purposes. With the application of the most advanced technology, research has been conducted in areas such as gene regulation, bacterial and yeast genetics, protein structure and mammalian development. In addition, 43 types of monoclonal antibodies were produced as were 38 types of restriction enzymes, as well as several linkers, markers, and phages. Interferons, monoclonal antibodies, restriction enzymes, and epidermal growth factor, among others, are all being marketed. The CIGB became the leading institution in the country for work in modern biotechnology, generating new work styles in the country and developing a special selection procedure to include young scientists on the staff, simultaneously providing intense training in the center and abroad. This provided the stimulus of participating in the achievement of important results for the country, producing a positive feedback loop to maintain high standards. Interferon has been applied in more than 10,000 cases in the country. The diagnostic kit for AIDS based on recombinant proteins has been used in millions of tests and epidermal grow factor is already registered as a drug after fulfilling all the requirements of the preclinical and clinical testing with hundreds of patients in different clinical trials. A close connection with different institutions working in the field of biotechnology and with different universities has provided a greater strength for the work in modern biotechnology in Cuba.